Spalding is one of six towns and cities that will welcome some of 13 new PCSOs to have qualified after a nine-week training programme with Lincolnshire Police.

The new recruits were presented with their PCSO powers cards by Chief Constable Neil Rhodes at a ceremony on Friday also attended by Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick, close family and friends.

Classroom-based theory, presentations, practical sessions and uniform inspections were some of the elements of the training programme which the PCSOs will now put into practice on the streets of Spalding, Boston, Horncastle, Grantham, Lincoln and Gainsborough.

PCSO Sam Evans, one of the new recruits, said: “We’ve had a fantastic nine weeks and we’re all now eager to get out into Lincolnshire’s communities and help to make a difference.”

“We had some fantastic input from guest speakers, both internal and external, including Victim Support, Tactical Roads Policing, Firearms, Community Safety and Neighbourhood Watch, Age UK, Rogue Traders and many more.

“We also visited the Force Control Room and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to help us understand more about our role within Lincolnshire Police and working with partner agencies.”

We’ve had a fantastic nine weeks and we’re all now eager to get out into Lincolnshire’s communities and help to make a difference.